There’s a postal face appearing in an ad campaign for the recently released licensed Sprayground x USPS collection.
New York City Letter Carrier Alonzo Leroy is pictured front and center among other models showcasing the line of streetwear-inspired, postal-themed bags and backpacks. He was approached by the fashion company to share the vintage style he displays on the job.
“Somehow they were able to see a photo of me,” said the USPS employee, who has been wearing classic postal uniform pieces for the past 25 years.
In his free time, he researches and restores old-fashioned looks with the help of a Broadway costume designer on his route.
“I found an old vintage jacket left behind in one of the lockers by one of the old timers at my station. It was badly weathered, but I took it to her. She was able to revitalize it and give some life to it as well as two of my postal hats,” he said.
Leroy said his supervisor, Ana Rib, serves as “a tremendous inspiration” to him. As station customer services manager, she emphasizes the importance of clean uniforms and delivers regular service talks about appearance and conduct.
“The postal uniform carries a unique weight because of what it represents to the community,” Rib said.
For his part, the 38-year employee had a great experience posing for the photo shoot, which took place outside the James A. Farley Building in Midtown Manhattan.
“The other models were so much younger than me — in their 20s — but extremely supportive. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. I’m so happy that it turned out as well as it did,” he said.
These two employees are a class act
A high school job fair recently presented an opportunity for Harrisville, RI, Officer in Charge Austin St. Pierre and Retail Associate Matt Martin.
The pair spoke to approximately 600 seniors from eight area high schools as well as first- and second-year community college students about employment opportunities with USPS.
“I love doing this because most kids don’t know what we offer and don’t know the benefits our jobs offer,” St. Pierre said.
He observed that many students at the fair believed that the only positions in the Postal Service were letter carrier and retail associate, but he was able to explain that roles included everything from law enforcement to automotive repair.
St. Pierre and Martin also saw interest from armed services recruiters at the event who were looking ahead to their own post-military employment.
“People” appears regularly in Link. Got news to share? Email us.
